Colossians 2:23
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Original Language Analysis
ἅτινά
Which things
G3748
ἅτινά
Which things
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
1 of 21
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
λόγον
G3056
λόγον
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 21
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
μὲν
indeed
G3303
μὲν
indeed
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἔχοντα
have
G2192
ἔχοντα
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐθελοθρησκεία
will worship
G1479
ἐθελοθρησκεία
will worship
Strong's:
G1479
Word #:
8 of 21
voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e., sanctimony
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σώματος
of the body
G4983
σώματος
of the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
13 of 21
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τιμῇ
honour
G5092
τιμῇ
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
16 of 21
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
18 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
πλησμονὴν
the satisfying
G4140
πλησμονὴν
the satisfying
Strong's:
G4140
Word #:
19 of 21
a filling up, i.e., (figuratively) gratification
Cross References
1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.Colossians 2:18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,Colossians 2:22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?1 Timothy 4:3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.Ephesians 5:29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Historical Context
Throughout church history, ascetic movements promised spiritual advancement through physical deprivation: monasticism, extreme fasting, celibacy, poverty vows, self-flagellation. While discipline has legitimate role (1 Corinthians 9:27), asceticism as path to holiness consistently fails, either producing legalistic pride or collapsing under human weakness. True transformation comes through Spirit-empowered faith working through love (Galatians 5:6), not fleshly religion.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious practices do you emphasize for their impressive appearance rather than genuine spiritual effectiveness?
- How do you pursue holiness—through external rule-keeping or internal transformation by the Spirit?
- Where might ascetic practices in your life feed pride rather than produce genuine humility and love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Paul concludes by exposing asceticism's failure. These practices "have a shew of wisdom" (logon men echonta sophias, λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας, "have appearance of wisdom")—they look impressive, disciplined, spiritual. "Will worship" (ethelothrēskeia, ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ, "self-made religion"), "humility" (tapeinophrosynē, ταπεινοφροσύνῃ), and "neglecting of the body" (apheidia sōmatos, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος, "harsh treatment of body") create appearance of advanced spirituality.
But they are "not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh" (ouk en timē tini pros plēsmonēn tēs sarkos, οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός). This difficult phrase likely means: not valuable for restraining fleshly indulgence. Despite impressive appearance, ascetic regulations cannot actually transform character or defeat sin. They produce external conformity while leaving the heart unchanged, even feeding spiritual pride through religious achievement.